Michigan Players Involved in Accident

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Five Michigan basketball players and a recruit all escaped serious injury early Saturday when their vehicle rolled while returning from a party in Detroit.

The players were Maurice Taylor, who was driving, Willie Mitchell, Robert Traylor, Louis Bullock, all starters, and Ron Oliver. The recruit was Mateen Cleaves, a 6-foot-2 guard who led Flint Northern to the Class-A Michigan state championship last season.

Traylor, a 320-pound freshman, suffered the most serious injury, a broken right arm, and will sit out the remainder of the season. The others are expected to play today when the Wolverines, 15-9 overall and 5-6 in the Big Ten, play host to Indiana (15-9, 8-4).

"I am relieved and extremely grateful that we didn't have a catastrophe, or a tragedy, because it could have been," Michigan Coach Steve Fisher said.

Fisher said the players were returning from a party in Detroit. "Obviously, good judgment wasn't being used in being out that late," he said. "You can speculate all you want. But if we hadn't had a recruit come in, it probably wouldn't have happened."

Cleaves had a game Friday night, helping Flint Northern to a 63-54 victory over Clarkston. When he finally arrived in Ann Arbor, the group drove to Traylor's home in Detroit, then went to a party.

Fisher said he told them, "Use good judgment. Don't be out all night."

Police said alcohol was not considered a factor in the accident.

"I have been told by the kids and by officers that alcohol was not involved," Fisher said. "Also speeding was not a factor. I'm confident I have truthful players."